Although you really do enjoy the challenge of completing household projects, isn't it time that you get more than a handshake and a smile for those efforts? It does feel good to know that they appreciate all your help, but wouldn't it feel even better to get handed a check so you can pay your bills? Your labor is definitely worth more than just gas money for a job well done!

Getting Started as a Professional Handy Man

Obviously, this has been on your mind or you wouldn't be reading this. Now, what steps are required to begin your handy man business? You have already invested in your business's biggest expense?tools! Since you have been doing repairs for people, you probably have enough tools to get your business started.

Advertise Yourself for Free!

If you already have a pick-up truck, you may want to have a sign with your company logo and number on the side. This is like a free ad, seen by thousands as you drive around. You can have that painted on your truck. Another idea is to have a sign made that can be put on and removed when you use a different vehicle.

Make It Official

What next? Before you start professionally advertising your services, you need a slogan. Hopefully, the name you have chosen is memorable and will catch the attention of potential customers. Register for a D.B.A. (doing business as); this will secure that company name as your own?and will allow you to receive checks under that name.

Contact the Small Business Association for any regulations that you will have to abide by when advertising your qualifications for doing any particular service. This is an important step. Without that knowledge, you could get have legal problems. For instance, you can't advertise that you do electrical repairs if you are not licensed as an electrician.

Here are a few other things to consider:

* How will customers contact you: Business line, cell, or home phone?

* Will you open a separate bank account to deposit company checks?

* How will you go about filing your business taxes?

* Do you have to be bonded and insured?

* How much will you charge for a service call?

* Will you be accepting credit cards as well as checks or cash?

If you are planning to accept credit cards, you will have to do some research about that. That will add an additional business expense.

Assuming that you will be getting a cell phone to use for your business calls, this is another cost that you will have to consider. One positive thing is that business expenses can be deducted when you file your taxes.

Don't Give Up Too Soon!

New businesses are not expected to be completely profitable for the first 5 years that they are in operation. Be patient!

You are beginning an awesome adventure! When all those friends and family call you to fix something, keep this in mind. Although you may want to give them a discount, don't give your talented work away for free anymore! Tactfully remind people that you are now a professional, operating your own handy man business. They will respect you more for that.